Micro-Level Determinants of Climate Change Perception and Local Adaptation Behaviour in a Global South Country

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between climate change perception and adaptation strategies in Lesotho, using Afrobarometer Round 10 survey data (2024) from a nationally representative sample of 1,200 respondents across all 10 districts. Descriptive results reveal that a majority of respondents view drought (81.6%) and crop failure (74.9%) as highly severe, while fewer consider flooding (29.5%) and soil erosion (44.2%) to be equally serious. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results show significant regional differences in perceptions of climate impacts. Regression analysis indicates that awareness of climate change is positively associated with changes in water use, outdoor work and relocation but negatively linked to livestock rearing as an adaptation measure. Meanwhile, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure significantly boosts overall adaptation and supports livestock-related strategies. The findings offer valuable insights for designing informed and location-specific climate policies in Lesotho.